Another Travel Idea - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**blinkchick2134** · 09-22-2004, 05:11 PM

So as some of you know I'm planning a trip to Europe this summer. Currently, I'm attending college and my classes end May 24th and begin again the last week of August. So that leaves me 3 monthes of freetime. I've been checking out helpexchange.net and been emailing some people there. So far I found three job/homestays I would like: 1) a month or so working on a horse ranch in Spain (I love horses and know how to handle them...also love Spain. 2) An Irish lady wants some help with her garden cottage in Belfast (roughly 2 weeks). 3) A Czech family is rebuilding a house and wants some help, also with their kids. I wouldn't mind any of them, all seem friendly via email.

The problem arises went I found a listing for help at a hostel in Nova Scotia. First of I've always wanted to visit NS and well getting free food and room for some light hostess is worth it. The guy seems very nice, he also runs whale watching tours. The hostel is located in Northern NS and on a nature preserve. The trails are beautiful and so clean. So the problem is I don't know which trip to do.
1 - NS hostel thing
2 - Go to Europe and travel around with my limited budget
3 - Try to work at one of the three jobs in Europe.

The problem of money arises there, lol. Right now I have one job - but an interview tomorrow at Hollywood Video. My current job is just 6 hours a week, making 6.15/hr. I don't know what HVideo pays yet but I'm guessing 7ish. So I won't have that much cash for traveling. I don't know I haven't done the figuring yet, lol. So what do you guys think?

**JiveTurkey** · 09-22-2004, 06:26 PM

I would just do one of the jobs in Europe (the longer one) and save your money while doing that job, then travel when you are done. I think the horse job would be the best bet. Do that for a month, save money while enjoying Spain. Then after the month, go to what ever country you want to. The NS thing sounds nice, but I think you will have more diverse experinces doing the Europe thing.... Good luck!

**worldwidemike** · 09-22-2004, 07:19 PM

I vote for Spain, too, Amber! Gorgeous country. The big sales on airfare over there start after Christmas. Don't forget new carrier SpanAir, and also check all carriers that can get you to Spain via a connection. It's the trip across the pond that costs the big bucks...the intra-European fares are pretty good.

Last Winter, I snagged a fare on Virgin Atlantic for $199 roundtrip to London. Then I took an Easyjet flight to Barcelona...costs me less than $60, I think. So, that is an example of what you can do.

I think you'll enjoy Europe more, especially after reading about everyone else's fun on here. By the way, where i Spain is this horse farm?

And sooo...you know how to handle stallions, eh? Heh...heh...

worldwidemike

RegentRat · 09-22-2004, 08:03 PM

Hello Blinkchick,,,

If i may offer you a few Canadian cents which are worth .43 of yours...

It seems in your interests you have an appreciation for landscapes and hiking, to which Nova Scotia can offer you an extreme variety. The weather maybe a consideration of importance if you do not like chilly or moist in early fall, and generally harsh winters (by Ontario standards). Nova Scotians' have a special gift of friendliness and hospitality consistent throughout the entire province that allows you to hitch everywhere without stress, make easy friendships. a very unique culture within canada and should you like to drink???

The North (depending how far north) is generally a bleak wilderness for the most part and tough to see unless via ecoguide when winter sets in...Summer would be ideal...
U.S. money is worth more but buy canadian funds before you get there...Sorry if i have confused you further with my ramblings...Best instensions you know...

P.S. clean water is sometimes an issue.

Regent Rat

Carter · 09-22-2004, 11:44 PM

Ever thought about waiting tables??? Good money (better than $7 an hour at even your cheapest places), easy to pick up extra shifts if you are ambitious and want more money, and its generally pretty easy to get big chunks of time off if you give management enough notice. I really think its the perfect job for people that want money but little responsibility and plenty of travel time.

-Carter

**blinkchick2134** · 09-23-2004, 09:09 AM

Thanks for your answers!

Ok I was looking farther into the horse farm job which is here. I reliezed that the guy that owns it hasn't emailed me back yet...I thought he did but he didn't. So I'm not postitive if that is open or whatever. And yes Mike I can handle stallions...want me to show ya??

I still don't know what to do, lol...I won't decided til like May 22, hehe. Have to book a last minute flight. My boyfriend, yes I still have him, was thinking about doing Europe with me...but he wouldn't be up for the working parts - he's jsut into traveling. Hmm...I shall think this through. Maybe a month in NS then catch a flight from there to London or something. Have my boyfriend meet me there. Flights from NS may be cheaper and two monthes in Europe won't kill my budget. And the train up to NS could be cheaper. Don't know I must work it out after class, hehe.

Oh and Carter, I have thought about the waitressing...but I don't have the ability to hold that damn tray thing. Maybe I'll look for one next semester...depending how Hollywood Video works out.

Carter · 09-23-2004, 09:57 AM

ahh, don't let the trays scare you. I swear its ALWAYS the shortes, tiniest girl thats the best at carrying the big trays around

-Carter

**space virgin** · 09-23-2004, 11:13 AM

^ you're right, dude-- I'm only 5'2 and I can carry heavier trays than most of my employees, haha.

and about the "which vacation do I take..." well, anyone who knows me knows which one I would pick. DUH!! lol

Carter · 09-23-2004, 11:30 AM

see, told you so.

-Carter